Joyce Ann Roberts

Joyce Ann Roberts, 87, peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord August 29, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 26, 1938 in Oak Park, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Laurence A. Woods and Hazel M. Woods.

Joyce graduated from Trinity High School (River Forest, IL) and went on to earn her Bachelor's degree at Quincy University (Quincy, IL). After graduation, she was an elementary school English teacher for many years before moving into merchandising for Sears Roebuck.

In the summer of 1969 she married Leo J. Roberts, MD, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage until his passing in 2024. Together they welcomed six beautiful children, Mary Joyce Roberts (Brian Hagmeier), Bessy (Ryan) Friedrich, Jenny (Jason) Matiyow, Nelly Musso (Kevin Murphy), Robby Roberts, and Jessica Roberts. Joyce was a loving grandmother to 17 grandchildren, Olivia, Kelsey, Jacob, Lilly, Aiden, Avery, Hudson, Duke, Scout, Boone, Quincy, Jonah, Wyatt, Willa, Odin, Behrett and Henry.

Joyce cherished her family and close lifelong friends. She danced through life, enjoying her love of art, cooking, world travel, southwestern jewelry, music, and singing to her children. A perfect day would include Frank Sinatra, maybe Neil Diamond or Barbara Streisand, an Italian beef sandwich and later some orange peel chocolate candy with a pint of Guinness or a bit of scotch while watching some late night Casa Blanca with one of her kids. Her smile would light up an entire room. She was so beautiful, as was the life she lived.

Joyce is survived by her loving children and grandchildren, and her brother Laurence A. (Mary Ann) Woods. The family will have a private service at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Joyce's favorite charity organization, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Revelation 21:4